The Hong Kong Jockey Club has amended its Rules of Racing for the 2025/26 season to tighten controls on whip use in races and barrier trials. From the start of the 2025/26 season jockeys must not use the whip in consecutive strides prior to the 100-metre mark; existing safeguards — including that a rider’s arm must not be raised above shoulder height — remain in force.

Riders regain discretion over whip use from the 100-metre point, the final phase of a race that typically lasts about five to six seconds, but only so long as the whip is not used in an inappropriate manner. Racing Stewards will closely monitor compliance and breaches of the rule will attract penalties.

The approved amendment to Rule 100 (3)(ii) now reads that, except where a rider’s safety is unequivocally at risk, the whip must not be used:

• in consecutive strides at any time prior to the 100 metres, provided that the whip may be used at the rider’s discretion over the final 100 metres subject to Rule 100(3)(ii)(b) to (g);
• forward of the saddle while the whip is held in the forehand position;
• in the vicinity of a horse’s head or neck;
• when a horse is clearly winning;
• when a horse is clearly out of contention;
• in a manner whereby the rider raises the hand holding the whip above shoulder height;
• in an excessive, improper, unnecessary or inappropriate manner.

These changes aim to balance competitive riding with horse welfare and the integrity of racing, while aligning Hong Kong’s practice more closely with evolving international standards.